Gerald Jordan, Christina Mutschler, Sean A. Kidd, Michael Rowe and Srividya N. Iyer
Varying stakeholders have highlighted how recovery-oriented mental health services such as youth mental health services have traditionally focused on supporting individual…
Abstract
Purpose
Varying stakeholders have highlighted how recovery-oriented mental health services such as youth mental health services have traditionally focused on supporting individual resources to promote recovery (e.g., agency) to the exclusion of addressing structural issues that influence recovery (e.g. poverty). One response to this criticism has been work helping people with mental health problems recover a sense of citizenship and sense of belonging in their communities. Work on citizenship has yet to influence youth mental healthcare in Canada’s provinces and territories. This paper aims to highlight ways that youth mental healthcare can better help youth recover a sense of citizenship.
Design/methodology/approach
The arguments described in this paper were established through discussion and consensus among authors based on clinical experience in youth mental health and an understanding of Canada’s healthcare policy landscape, including current best practices as well as guidelines for recovery-oriented care by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Findings
Here, this study proposes several recommendations that can help young with mental health problems recover their sense of citizenship at the social, systems and service levels. These include addressing the social determinants of health; developing a citizenship-based system of care; addressing identity-related disparities; employing youth community health workers within services; adapting and delivering citizenship-based interventions; and connecting youth in care to civic-oriented organizations.
Originality/value
This paper provides the first discussion of how the concept of citizenship can be applied to youth mental health in Canada in multiple ways. The authors hope that this work provides momentum for adopting policies and practices that can help youth in Canada recover a sense of citizenship following a mental health crisis.
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Connie Lee, Gina Marandola, Ashok Malla and Srividya Iyer
The purpose of this paper is to present a series of cases of international students being treated in a specialized early intervention service for first-episode psychosis (FEP)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a series of cases of international students being treated in a specialized early intervention service for first-episode psychosis (FEP), describing the particular challenges that arise in this process, and to provide recommendations addressing these challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Two researchers independently reviewed the charts of seven international students and discussed them with their treating clinicians. Recurring themes were identified through an iterative process of discussion and consensus.
Findings
Four themes were identified which demonstrated specific challenges faced by international students being treated for FEP: difficulty maintaining student visa status, limited social and family support, financial and health insurance issues, and service disengagement.
Originality/value
The study suggests that international students with FEP may present with numerous and unique challenges, thereby requiring special attention in their treatment. Although these are preliminary findings based on a small case series, the findings can inform recommendations for mental health services in cities with a sizeable international student population and guide future research on this topic.
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Veena Suresh, Ram Fishman, Johanna Sophie von Lieres and Bhavani R. Rao
The purpose of the study is to understand what impact the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 had on the income and food security of rural households in India and whether it differed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to understand what impact the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 had on the income and food security of rural households in India and whether it differed across socioeconomic factors. Moreover, the study assesses the needs of rural households and determines whether they had received adequate support services during the lockdown.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a repeated-measures quantitative survey design with 1,319 rural women from 16 states of India and conducted a telephonic survey.
Findings
The lockdown had directly impacted rural households' employment status and income but the impact differed depending on the type of employment. For example, working in a salaried job or on one's farm led to a lower likelihood of a complete decline in income in states other than Kerala as the lockdown continued. The study also revealed a change in the pattern of food consumption, with higher consumption of subsidized staple foods. It also became evident that the aid announced by the government reached the rural population with some delay.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of the study was that many respondents refused to participate in phase 2, which reduced the sample size when comparing the two phases because the women did not own mobile phones. Instead, they were using their husbands' phones.
Originality/value
The study's findings can help better understand the needs of rural populations during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This can help to plan better and build preventive actions for such populations once their needs are understood. In addition, this can aid disadvantaged people for a minimal level of preparedness and security during such a crisis in the future.